Port Hood
Port Hood is a quiet harbour on the Ceilidh Trail about halfway between Mabou and the Canso Causeway, with one of the warmest sea-bathing beaches on Cape Breton thanks to the shallow Northumberland Strait waters.
Port Hood Island, half a kilometre offshore, was once heavily settled and is now nearly empty — a popular kayaking destination. The coastline north toward Mabou has stretches of red sandstone cliffs and is some of the most under-rated scenic driving on the island.
Local businesses
The Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro
Dine at The Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro in Port Hood, featuring fresh local ingredients, live music all summer, and weekly specials.
★★★★★ (466)Hebridean Motel
Stay at Hebridean Motel in Port Hood, Cape Breton's Beach Capital, with 16 motel units and suites near Sunset Beach and Celtic Shores Coastal Trail.
★★★★★ (123)The Fiddle and The Sea B&B
Stay at this oceanfront B&B in Port Hood with water view breakfasts, bicycle amenities, and easy access to Celtic Shores Coastal Trail and sandy beaches.
★★★★★ (91)Hillcrest Hall Country Inn
Stay at this historic 1910 mansion turned elegant country inn in Port Hood with 11 rooms, harbour views, and complimentary breakfast.
★★★★★ (87)Admiral Lounge & Café
Relax at this year-round family restaurant in Port Hood offering a full menu, kids options, and pool games on Main Street.
★★★★★ (75)Lighthouse Cottages
Stay in beachfront cottages overlooking yellow-sand shores in Port Hood on the Ceilidh Trail, with easy access to hiking, cycling, and Cape Breton's coastal a
★★★★★ (68)Colindale Beach Villas
Stay at luxury oceanside vacation homes on 50 acres in Port Hood with private beach access, nature trails and modern 3-bedroom villas near Cape Breton attract
★★★★★ (66)Cape Breton Sunset Beach Cottage
Stay at this oceanfront Port Hood vacation home with private beach access, sunsets from a 500-sq-ft deck, and accommodations for up to 8 guests.
★★★★★ (64)Sunset Sands RV Park
Camp at Sunset Sands RV Park in Port Hood with 104 full-service sites, heated saltwater pools, and direct beach access on Cape Breton's western shore.
★★★★★ (64)Ceilidh Cottages and Campground
Stay in 2-bedroom cottages or RV sites in West Mabou, Cape Breton with WiFi, AC, and scenic decks for an unforgettable Nova Scotia getaway.
★★★★★ (59)Haus Treuburg Country Inn & Cottages
Stay in beachfront cottages in Port Hood with private beach access, stunning sunset views of Port Hood Island, and easy access to hiking, golf, and boat tours
★★★★★ (24)Haus Treuburg
Stay at this German-inspired guesthouse in Port Hood with private beach access, on-site restaurant, and waterfront cottages on Cape Breton.
★★★★★ (24)Gillies by the Sea
Stay at Gillies by the Sea in Port Hood with queen rooms and a pet-friendly apartment, featuring free WiFi, breakfast, and private parking.
★★★★★ (17)Galloping Cows Fine Foods
Browse artisan jams, salsas, and chutneys at this Port Hood retail shop with a field-grown garden, then explore nearby beaches.
★★★★★ (15)Coastal Trail Glamping
Camp in canvas bell tents along the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail between Mabou and Port Hood, with access to beaches, hiking, and local dining.
Inverness County Winter Gear Rentals
Rent skis, snowshoes, and poles from Inverness County Recreation Department for winter outdoor adventures on Cape Breton.

















